Timer for iPad and Android tablet

Freefaller · 28 Feb 2023 at 18:28

Hi all,

Just after some advice - we have 2 tablets that the kids use, it's pretty locked down in terms of what they can use / see etc... However I'd like to limit the time they can use it.

On the android timer it does seem to work, i.e. youtube kids will stop working after 30 mins for example. However the ipad just seems to come up with a notification rather than stopping the app?

Ideally is there a way that after a set period of time the device locks? The kids know the code to the tablets...

I'm sure there's probably a setting somewhere, but my apple knowledge is quite lacking on this front, but I want to see if there's a better way of managing screen time for both of them if possible.

Thank you.

ValiantUK91 · 28 Feb 2023 at 18:34

Have you tried family link? that may work, the missus uses it to lock our kids phones at night so they are not on them all night.

Freefaller · 28 Feb 2023 at 19:22

ValiantUK91 said:
Have you tried family link? that may work, the missus uses it to lock our kids phones at night so they are not on them all night.

Is that an app or part of the apple ecosystem?

The iPad is the only apple device we own (it's 10 years old).

Edit: ah I've found it. Looks like it might be just the job. Thanks!

Columbo · 1 Mar 2023 at 14:39

Family Link is Google's way of managing devices within a family unit.

I've added my daughter's tablet and phone to it and I can control what she can install, the screen time, web filters etc all from my phone. I can track location and lock / wipe remotely as well. My wife can also do the same from her phone.

If she installs an app with an appropriate age rating I get a notification, if she tries to install an app outside of that rating I and my wife get a ping for approval which either of us can Grant or Deny.

Screen limits can also be applied by total screen time or by clock time. eg 2 hrs per day or 6pm - 8pm. Outside of those limits the devices cant be unlocked without a PIN or Passcode.
However we are all on Android and have no idea how or if any of this would work on Apple devices.